Typically there’s four main types of down payment assistance programs:

Non-Forgivable Grants: These are second mortgages that will need to be paid back either through a monthly payment or paid back after selling or refinancing your home.

Forgivable Grants: These are second mortgages that are forgiven over a set number of years (often five, but maybe up to 15 or 20). These only need to be repaid if you move, sell, or refinance early in the terms of the loan.

Second mortgages: These are community Second mortgage that are paid monthly along with your primary mortgage.

Deferred loans: These are second mortgages with deferred payments that only have to be paid when you move, sell, or refinance.